In a major leap forward for brain science, Chinese researchers say they’ve successfully connected a monkey’s brain to a computer—marking what they call the world’s first brain-computer interface (BCI) experiment using a nonhuman primate.
This high-tech experiment was led by a team at Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing and is being hailed as a milestone in China’s growing role in the global “tech race,” especially in competition with the United States.
What’s a Brain-Computer Interface?
A brain-computer interface (or BCI) is a technology that allows the brain to communicate directly with a machine. It picks up brain signals and turns them into commands—like moving a robotic arm—without the person needing to move a muscle.
These systems could one day help people who’ve lost motor function to regain control over devices or communicate using only their thoughts.
How Did China Do It?
In this experiment, researchers used a method called interventional BCI. Think of it as a middle ground between two other common BCI techniques:
- Invasive BCI, where electrodes are implanted directly into the brain via surgery (very precise but risky).
- Non-invasive BCI, which uses external devices like EEG caps (much safer but less accurate).
Interventional BCI involves placing sensors inside blood vessels close to the brain using minimally invasive surgery—similar to how heart stents are inserted. This technique offers better data than non-invasive methods and avoids the dangers of brain surgery.
The monkey in the study had a device placed on the wall of its cerebrovascular system. Once in place, the system was able to read the monkey’s brain activity and use it to control a robotic arm—just by thinking.
Is This Ready for Humans?
Not yet. The researchers say clinical use in humans is likely still at least five years away. But it’s a big step in that direction. This trial moves beyond just reading brain signals—it shows that brain activity can be used to actively control machines.
China has already tested similar technologies on humans. In one case, a 72-year-old paralyzed man was able to control a robotic arm using brain implants. But that procedure was done using the more invasive method.
So, Who’s Winning the BCI Race?
Right now, the U.S. leads in invasive BCI tech, thanks to companies like Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk. But China is gaining ground in non-invasive and interventional BCI approaches, particularly in decoding brain signals and developing practical applications.
What’s Next?
While science fiction dreams like driving cars with our minds or reading thoughts directly are still far off, experiments like this monkey trial show real progress. And with countries like China and the U.S. racing to perfect the tech, brain-computer interfaces may one day change how we interact with the world—especially for people with disabilities.
Source:
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202305/05/WS6454eb0aa310b6054fad14dc.ht…
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/chinese-neuralink-state-f…
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